Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:16:43 -0500
From: Andy West
Subject: Asleep On The Beach Chapter 33
Disclaimer: Under-aged sexual relationships are recorded beyond this point.
If this is not legal in your corner of the world, perhaps you should not
continue. If these things are offensive to you, how have you made it this
far into my little tale. Please, if you have made it this far, I'd hope
you continue the journey with us.
Writer's Notes: Thanks to each of you who have read this far, and even more
so to those who have kindly dropped me a note to let me know your thoughts.
Thanks! As always, remember you'll receive a prompt courteous reply when
you write to me at: andyoutwest@live.com or perhaps you would like to visit
my story page at: http://weststories.altervista.org (and even if you do
visit there...please let me know how you feel about the chapter!).
Chapter 33 -- Love Comes Home
(Lenny's perspective)
Ray called me from his hospital bed. I cried the whole time he was
on the phone.
"Hey," a raspy and odd voice said through the phone, "is...is this
L..Lenny?" My heart skipped several beats as panic swept over me. I am
not exactly sure what frightened me so...but I was trembling while I
clutched the hospital phone to my ear; I said nothing.
"It's me..." the voice said with some sort of tone indicating I
ought to know whom. I said nothing.
A prolonged silence. My mind raced all the while my heart seemed
to have totally stopped working. I could sense that I may be about to
hyperventilate.
"Lenny, it's me, Ray." His voice seemed slurred and very raspy. I
couldn't recognize it as the same boy I knew only a few days earlier. I
could hear pain in this voice, not the smooth assured voice of a confident
teenager. This voice was from a tired, weary, and hurting soul. Knowing
it was him made me instantly relax...a sudden intake of breath made me
realize I had been holding my breath the whole time. The tears fell
unbidden from my face. I could feel them trek down my cheek, off my jaw
line, and dripping upon my tee shirt. I settled back into the pillow and
felt warmed as though I was holding a heating pad instead of a phone.
"Ohh...man...Ray..." my mind could find no words. The tears made
my eye as blurry as my brain. I would have died in that barn if Ray had
not done what he did. It is just that simple; Ray saved my life. The
others; Liam -- I know he loves me so much and he was the second one to
take a bullet to save my life; Jason -- so willing to stand beside Liam to
the bitter end...I know Jason loves me too. But, it was Ray that decided
he would wait for no one. Ray is my hero.
I've been thinking about things a lot. I guess you do that when
you nearly get killed, and when you have gazillions of hours to sit in a
hospital bed with nothing to do... But anyways, I've been thinking about
Ray; about what it was he did for me, about how much it cost him to take
action. He could have waited for help. He could have waited to make sure
he was safe...but he just did what his heart told him was right.
Andy said it was sort of like...like, "fate rarely ever comes upon
us at a time of our choosing." I'm guessing he quoted that from
someone...I dunno who, but it so fits what happened to Ray that morning.
From what the police, my daddy, and the guys told me, I was suffocating
with the gag and my own vomit. They said I had passed out and would most
likely have died in mere minutes had Ray not burst through the door when he
did...had Liam and Jason not rushed that man to save me...
I realized several uncomfortable moments of silence had passed
between us. Faintly, I heard Ray's sniffles too...so he felt the
overwhelming emotions I was feeling too.
"Ray...I..." I began, but choked up without being able to continue.
I've no idea what to say to him. He was in pain because of me. His life
may never ever be the same because he loved me enough to help me. Well...I
guess it was love for me...either that or...I dunno. Could he have just
felt like I was ANY kid and he was just doing a good deed? Or, did he open
that barn door out of loyalty to the gang? Shit...I don't know. All I
know is it was my fault.
"Shhh...don't talk," Ray whispered. I felt relief. "Just listen a
minute. I wanted to talk to you myself...to...to make sure you are
okay...to make sure you...really made it." There was a long pause again.
I could here the tremors in his voice. "I...I'm no hero Lenny. I just
knew in my gut that there was no time. I knew you needed someone. I don't
know if I would have been brave enough without Jason and Liam. We all love
you Lenny. I love all you guys. And yes. Yes. I would die for any of
you guys.
"Ummm...how are you Lenny? Are y..you going to be okay?"
"Ya...I'm ummm..." I paused to consider, "I still hurt a lot. I
try my best to not think about it all though. That's hard not to do
though..."
"Ya...I know."
"It still hurts way up inside me...where he...ummm...where he put
his thing." Ray was silent. "I lost my eye too. That sucks. But,
besides it itching like it was still there...I am nearly used to it being
gone. It is weird really...sometimes I forget I only have one eye left."
Ray seemed to be considering this for a moment. But even in the silence
over the phone I sensed he was changing thoughts on me...
"Lenny?"
"Yes."
"Ummm...are y..you... Are you... Ummm...I know about Liam and
Jason. They were kissing in front of me before...the day Brant came to the
hospital. We were waiting in the emergency room waiting area. Ummm...I
guess it just came up...and well...we talked about stuff me and Brant
did..."
"Yes," I whispered back into the phone. "I am in love with Brant."
Silence.
Silence.
Silence.
"I...I think I ...(sigh)...I dunno anymore. I...ummm might be
too."
Silence.
"You think you are what?"
"I don't think...I don't know if I am gay," Ray was whispering...as
though he didn't want anyone else to hear...like somebody else was in the
room with him.
"Are you alone?" I asked.
"No."
*Sigh*
"Are you mad that I am in love with Brant?" I said with a hint of
fear, I was holding my breath and whispering again.
Silence.
"Ray?" I was hoping he wasn't going to ask me to give Brant up...I
just don't know if I could do that...and I don't know if I can share him
either. I had already given up Liam...to Jason. I am not going to give up
Brant. Not easily, anyway.
"Ohh...no. I...sorry...I was thinking about something else. No.
I am not mad at you Lenny. I..uummm...I really like Brant. He is so cute,
and so...well...so sexy. We had some fun, but he deserves someone who loves
him like y..you do." He was talking now a little more comfortably...I
mean...like whoever was there now WASN'T there anymore...but his voice was
still hoarse and oddly pained.
"Ray?" I asked very meekly.
"Ya?"
"I heard what you did for me."
Silence.
Silence.
"I didn't do much actually," he said with a reflexive voice. "I
mean...boil it all down to the nuts and bolts...Liam and Jason saved you.
I just opened the door and got my ass shot."
"Ummm...will you be okay?" I asked.
"Ya. I guess."
Silence.
"Thank you, Ray," I managed to choke out. It felt like the words
were being sucked from me. "I know it was more than that... Ummm...what
happened...I mean...I heard you were sh..shot...in the head..."
""Ya..." he said as he exhaled heavily into the phone. In my
mind's eye I could see him lying there in a bed similar to mine, and like
me he would be wearing a tee shirt and underwear, maybe some PJs. I could
think he was laying there with his eyes closed and the phone cradled to his
ear...much as I was. Ray drew a sharp and deep breath, then told me what
was happening.
"I, ummm...I got shot on the left side of my head. It was like a
glancing blow they said. But...it still like cracked open my scull. There
was a lot of bleeding and swelling on my brain. I was unconscious for
several days. Momma was afraid I was gonna die. But I didn't. I'm still
here. Ummm...I have to leave soon. They are gonna move me from here in
Houston to a hospital in New Mexico. Some sort of re-habilitation
hospital. I..."
Ray stopped talking. I just waited for him to say whatever it was
he was thinking.
"I have to learn how to w.walk again."
Damn and fuck. This was bad. I realized I was still crying. Now
it wasn't just unbidden tears, but my face had scrunched up in a full blown
cry. The twisting of my face hurt, but that hurt barely registered on my
mind.
"Ya..." I guess he could hear me crying, "I know," Ray said. "I
have to l.learn to walk, and...umm...I can't do some small stuff anymore;
like buttoning my pants and shirts, and ummm...I.." he whispered this next,
"can't wipe my own butt."
"Damn."
"Mhmm. Well...at least I can learn all over again. It's gonna be
okay. I'll get back to myself. I..." Ray was crying again, "I just have
to leave everybody. Momma said she ain't coming back to this `shit-hole'
again."
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" I pleaded into the phone.
"I know, Squirt, I know."
~~00~~0~~00~~
Nearly a month. That's how long I was in the hospital. 27 days to
be exact. Jeeesus...I was sooooooo freakin ready to get out of this place.
Brant left first, he wasn't here all that long. Then, Jason went home;
then Liam. I was here by myself for nearly two weeks. Dad was here the
whole time...but I still felt alone. The guys came often and would stay
long hours though, that helped. None of us really wanted to talk about
what happened though. Our bruises and cuts were slowly fading. Jason
looked good again! Not that Jason ever looked BAD! Ha! But, even with
green and blue bruises all over his face he is a nice looker. He is all
healed up now...on the outside. I can't hardly tell where his tooth was
capped either. Liam is walking better. His gunshot is still
healing...nearly all well...but he says he is still very sore. Thing is,
he also still has VERY bad diarrhea. It embarrasses him. But, he can't
help it. When he thinks he might have to go...he has to GO! Waiting means
there is a mess to clean up! Ewwww.
His Mom wanted to make him wear some protection...diapers, or
adolescent pull-ups...but Liam wouldn't even consider that.
Which...(sigh)...was a whole `nother problem. I guess I need to tell you
about that. This is...weird. You may freak out or something. So, don't
say I didn't warn ya. Hmmm...dunno how to begin this...lemme think a
minute...
Do you remember finding out about Brant being raped by his brother?
I want to hate that shithead...Brant's brother...but Brant don't hate him,
and gets mad when I do. *Sigh* I have to be careful about saying anything.
Anyway, well...all the...ummm...trauma and bad stuff he went through gave
Brant a real problem: He started wetting the bed. *Sigh* Yea. And that
made things even worse for the poor guy. At first his Mom and Dad yelled
at him and even beat him over it; trying to intimidate him into stopping.
Well...I think that is when Brant's Father started messing with Brant too.
It all got so out of control.
Eventually, his Mother stopped spanking him and yelling at him over
wet sheets and bedclothes. They made him wash his own stuff every
day...thinking that alone would make him stop...well...it should be so easy
huh?! Only...that wasn't helping. His brother just antagonized him even
more. The beatings started happening then. Both his brother and his
father would hit him and call him names. But, still they raped him. They
seemed to hate him for being a "sissy," but that didn't stop them from
sticking their dicks up him anytime they wanted to get off. Shitheads.
Brant told me his Aunt Alaina found out about the bedwetting at a
family dinner...Thanksgiving, or something. Brant still had a whiff of
stale urine on himself, and his brother started ragging on him in front of
the family about being a "sissy-boy." Brant ran from the room and locked
himself in the bathroom. A long while later his Aunt persuaded him to open
the door and let him cry into her breasts. Sometimes a boy needs to do
that.
Anyway, she just took him by the hand and they got in her car and
she drove them to Wal*Mart where she taught him how to pick out some
adolescent pull-ups. Brant was never very big, so they were able to find
some to fit him (Good-Nights lg/xl). He told me it embarrassed him to
death to be there buying that stuff. But, she was so kind and helped him,
made him feel a tiny bit better. What Brant told me was that she bought
him a month's supply of those, then...she gave him some money to get more
when he needed them. He was to never ask anyone to help him, but just to
get them himself when he was getting low. She would always find ways to
keep money coming to him so he could get his stuff.
Alaina still is very protective of him. I think she was figuring
out what was happening to him, what was causing his emotional issues. I
always wonder why some people can see stuff, can pick up on things and
figure out what is going on...all the while people who OUGHT to see, know,
care, and help...often are blind and oblivious. It confuses the heck outta
me, I'll tell ya.
Anyways...Brant started taking care of things...and it got a little
better for him. He told me he would wake and his pull-up would be
saturated and full. Brant would take it off and tie it up in a plastic bag
(to keep the stink down) and throw it away. He got to where he would wake
up before anyone else so he could go get in the shower and clean the piss
off himself and get dressed. Well...he was a light sleeper too, because he
was always so terrified of someone coming and getting into his bed at night
too. He told me that when his brother got into bed with him at night, he
at least didn't hit him and "force" him to have sex. Usually, his brother
would pull Brant's head down to his groin and make Brant suck him. He
always made Brant stop before he came though...because he wanted to cum in
Brant's ass. Usually, he would lie on his side and hold Brant around the
chest and would fuck him like that. Afterwards, Brant was left to cry
himself back to sleep. Brant told me the very worst part of it
was...sometimes he would lie awake waiting...wanting him to come. Dreading
him to come...desperate for it to happen, then hating himself because when
it was over he always felt dirty. Brant told me he usually was never wet
before his brother came to his bed...but yet he always woke up saturated.
Brant also told me when his Father came to his bed...sometimes on
the same nights his brother had already left him... He said that his
Father was always harsh, rough, and cold. Brant could feel is Father's
loathing and hatred. He could feel the anger and bitterness his Father
felt at having such a "sissy-boy." Sometimes he would be wet when his
Father came to his bed. That would mean a beating. His Dad would hit him
and slap him, call him all manner of mean hateful names for being such a
"pussy." He would say if Brant was gonna act like a pussy, he would learn
what happens to pussies...
His Mother, Renee, never came to help or stop it from happening.
Brant always hated her for that. Even when it all stopped...when it became
open, and the Dad and brother were taken away...Renee always seemed to hold
it against Brant. Brant never really forgot. We'll talk about that later.
When Ray and Brant started messing around, Brant began feeling like
someone really cared about him. The sex was not forced...Brant wanted
it...he practically seduced Ray to get Ray to open his pants the very first
time. Ray told Brant that sex was not the same thing as love, that it was
not a good measure of friendship. Ray told Brant that he would only allow
Brant to suck him, if Brant would let Ray return the favor. Brant never
thought about someone WANTING to please him; being cared about was a very
new experience for Brant. Ray was kind, gentle, and always caring. Ray
was the type of boy who after it was over, would cuddle and hold Brant.
Brant felt safe, maybe for the first time ever Brant felt wanted.
Remember, now, Brant is beautiful. He has long curly and lushes
dark brown hair; perfect white teeth, a button nose, a few stray freckles
across his nose and shoulders...his tan is amazing. Brant is lean, strong,
and beautiful. Long butterfly eyelashes too! (I'm loving his long
eyelashes!). Only...Brant always felt like he was shit, like he should be
despised. All the kids at school liked Brant, but he was so shy, so afraid
to be around them, he always kept to himself. I found out later, part of
his problem was he was always embarrassed of the bruises...afraid someone
would see them, and ask him about them. He was afraid that it was all his
fault and that soon everything would go to shit.
Fuck. It WAS shit. As I think about what his life was like...I
want to scream. He was the victim...the one hurt and abused...but he
always felt like it was his own fault. *Sigh*
So, things were getting better for Brant. He found help about his
bedwetting, he found a friend who really liked him, and he was somehow able
to separate the rape and abuse and make himself feel almost normal in all
the ways other people saw him when he was away from the inevitable abuse at
home.
That is when he met me.
And well...when I saw him, I knew I would like him. I didn't know
I was going to love him! But I do! I love him! Anyways...him and me
became friends. I figured out real quick he knew his way around a dick!
Lol But, I don't want to get all into that right now. But we got to be
soooooo happy together. Liam encouraged me to open up with him, and before
you know it, me and Brant were in love. Yumm.
Well...of course...you know about all the nastiness on the beach
and at that barn. I know you think I forgot what I was talking about...but
I didn't -- I was telling you about Liam and how he screwed things up and
hurt Brant's feelings...well...we are to that point now.
See...after the shooting and all...Liam's Mom tried to get him to
wear diapers or pull-ups to help him with the intestinal issues from his
gun-shot. Only Liam wasn't having any of that. One day he yelled at his
Mom, "I ain't no freaking assed sissy-baby! I ain't wearing diapers!"
Problem was...me and Brant and Jason were all sitting in his room when he
yelled at her. Liam had just had a blow-out. A mess, smelly, awful one.
We had all gathered in Liam's room to play Halo III, and Liam didn't
realize in time he needed to go to the potty. He didn't get out of the
room before his basketball shorts were filled and the poop was running down
his leg. Ewww. It was awful...and super embarrassing for Liam. His Mom
somehow instinctively knew he was in trouble. Because before he got to the
hall bathroom she was there to help him get cleaned up. She must have been
talking to him about how to help the matter with accidents around his
friends, but he screamed what I just said to her. Shit.
Brant heard. Brant broke into tears and ran from the room.
See, after being raped...again... I mean...after that man raped me
and him out on the beach...well...Brant started wetting the bed again. It
was bad enough this time that he had to wear his pull-ups all day.
Sometimes he would piss himself and not even know he'd done it until his
pants or shorts were soaked. One day he was at the story and there was
little puddles following him in the aisle. A young boy pointed at him and
covered is mouth as he laughed and laughed at the "big" kid pissing
himself. When poor Brant realized what the little kid was pointing
at...well...he nearly died right there on the spot.
So, when Liam yelled that at his Mother...well...Liam just didn't
know Brant was having that problem. Liam would never ever hurt Brant's
feelings on purpose. I know that. Liam is a super duper nice guy. If I
didn't love Brant so, and if I wouldn't have to beat Jason up to get
him...Liam would be my lover! (Of course...there is that danged problem
that I'll be 100 before I am big enough to beat up Jason!).
Now do you see what I mean? Big probs.
~~00~~0~~00~~
Well...I want to tell you something. I want to tell you how...I
mean...I want to tell you about me coming home...and what surprise I found!
This is fun!
~~00~~0~~00~~
Dad came into my hospital room early that morning. I was awake...I
have been having problems sleeping since all that...stuff...happened to me.
When I go to sleep, I feel like the room spins. I hate that. Or, when the
room isn't spinning, I can sometimes hear a noise and it makes me think of
the noises I heard in that barn. Smells do that too. I mean. In a
hospital, someone is always pissing on themselves, or vomiting. Two things
that nearly always make me remember being alone and in that smelly barn. I
wonder if those things will always make me feel that way. What happens
when I have to go back to school? Everybody knows what a boys bathroom
smells like. *Sigh*
School...I sooooo want to get back to school...but dread it too.
All the whispering and pointing behind my back. But I really want things
to go back to normal...how will they treat me with just one eye? Will they
call me a freakizoyd or something? *Sigh*
So, anyways...I can't sleep too good. Daddy worries about the dark
circles under my eyes. He says a boy my age shouldn't have them; but I got
`em.
"Ready to go, Sport?" Daddy asked brightly, patting me on the
thigh.
"Damn straight!" I beamed! Daddy swatted me for using that word.
So, it took like six wheelchairs to hold all the teddy bears,
cards, posters, balloons, and plants people gave me! I looked like a
politician being lead by an official escort entourage as we wheeled down
the corridors of the hospital and out to the foyer and car. Zillions of
people stopped to smile, wave, and cheer me as we made our way. I felt
like a celebrity! Nurses, Doctors, Technicians...other patients and their
parents...it was awesome. I didn't realize so many people even know I was
alive...much less knew I was here in the hospital. But I heard my name
more times than I could count...got hugs from people I never saw, pats on
the back, shoulder, legs... Man. And when we got to the lobby...it was
like a campaign rally. I guess I could run for Mayor or something! Maybe
I will! First gay mayor of Galveston! Ha! I can see the headlines
now... "Galveston elects one-eyed Gay Mayor!
I asked Daddy along the way why Brant wasn't there to bring me
home. He said Brant was busy. So, I let it go...there was so much noise
and confusion I quickly forgot about missing him. This was grand! All
that was missing was a Mariachi band!
We wheeled away finally, and the quietness of the care was
rewarding. It was surprising to me how tired I was just from riding a
wheelchair to the front door. Jeez. The warm sun beaming through the
windshield made me relax, and soon I was zoned out. As we drove along
towards home I had mixed emotions. I remembered I wanted to tell Daddy I
was gonna just sleep in his bed with him for a while...it never came up
before. I wanted to say it now, but he warm sunshine was sedating me and I
was incapable of talking at the moment.
Then...I was thinking about Ray. About him leaving for New Mexico.
I wondered if I would ever see him again. Somehow, I believed I would. A
song by a great band, Oasis, was tumbling around in my mind as I thought of
Ray, of him leaving. It's the song, "Stop Crying Your Eyes Out".
"Hold up Hold on Don't be scared You'll never change what's been and gone
May your smile (may your smile) Shine on (shine on) Don't be scared (don't
be scared) Your destiny may keep you warm...
Cos all of the stars Are fading away Just try not to worry You'll see them
some day Take what you need And be on your way And stop crying your heart
out
We're all of us stars We're fading away Just try not to worry You'll see us
some day Just take what you need And be on your way And stop crying your
heart out Stop crying your heart out Stop crying your heart out ..."
So...when we came into our neighborhood, Daddy patted my inner
thigh and shook me a little to wake me. "Nearly home, Sport. Better wake
up so I don't have to carry your lard-ass to your room!" He was smiling at
me...I love it when Daddy teases me. I know that IF I were asleep he'd
carry me and never complain. I pulled his hand to my cheek and snuggled
with it like a security blanket. I guess that's what Daddies are --
security blankets (or should be). As comforting as Daddy's warm ad was,
and his familiar "Daddy" smells...I was also saddened thinking of Brant
having to be at home all alone after all this stuff. He and his Mom get on
okay...but there is always still a tension between them...I guess their
whole family and world falling apart like that would be impossible for
anyone to not be...affected.
Daddy turned into the drive, and my heart skipped several beats.
HOME AT LAST! Wait...wait just a cotton-pickin minute! The front curtain
just moved. I saw it! My head snapped sideways toward Father. I had to
turn my head a loooong ways around because my left eye don't work so good
now that it is MISSING. *Sigh* I had a panicked look on my face, I am
sure, because I WAS PANICKED!
"Daddy! We got robbers in the house!" I blurted. I quickly
snapped my head back the other way to see if I could see any other hint of
the intruders. None.
My senses were re-forming quickly though...Daddy showed no sign of
panic. Hmmm. He is smiling like a Cheshire cat...something is a foot in
Demark...
"Well, come on Sport...We better go see what is going on inside."
Dad then just popped out of the car and hurried around to my side and
opened my door. Being treated like this made me feel little all over
again. (I know I ain't exactly BIG now...shut up okay?).
I let Daddy help me out, he told me to hold on as he gathered a few
of my teddy bears and stuff to carry with him. He gave me the biggest one
(from Brant), and he had an arm full of the others as we walked to the
front door. I glommed on to Daddy arm as he reached for the doorknob...but
he turned it anyway and swiftly ushered us into the entry. The house
exploded with chaos!
The whole city was magically and mysteriously waiting for me inside
my own house! How could so many people be in here! There are bazillions
of people! Banners, balloons, streamers, confetti, screaming, yelling,
laughing, cheering...I nearly pissed my pants they scared me so bad! I
loved every second of it!
In mere seconds Brant had me by both hands and pulled me into a
bear-hug. I could tell he wanted to kiss me...but we both knew this was
not the time and place for kisses...hugs were swell though. (Don't tell
anyone he DID manage a nice wet kiss on my cheek while we hugged though).
Well...I don't want to bore you with all the details of my coming
home party, just know every single person I think I ever knew in my entire
life was there. That big policeman was there, he had his nephew with
him...the one I found out later that is gay...Roger is his name. Roger is
cute, but a lot older than me. He is more like Jason's age. Also, kids
from my school and some of my teachers were there. My school Principle was
there. Jeez. I didn't know he even knew me. Lots of girls from my class
were there. It was amazing.
Still...in nearly no time I was worn out. All the
excitement...people telling me how brave I am, what a hero I was...telling
me how sorry they are I got hurt, lost my eye...damn. After a bit I was
numb. I mean, my brain just couldn't function. So many people all saying
similar nice things, so kind, so well meaning...but all so overwhelming to
me. Nobody mentioned the rape. Not to me, or to Brant. I don't know how
much they all knew...I assume everything was common knowledge, but everyone
was polite enough to not mention it. I do remember that much.
Brant was by my side the whole time...we held hands a lot...but
nobody seemed to notice. I guess they thought we were just being boys,
friends...it was never anything that caught anyone's attention (that I
could tell...I found out later Roger was watching pretty well).
Oh shit! (Oops...sorry about the language.). I forgot to mention
that Liam and Jason and all their families were there too. I guess I
figured you KNEW that already. But yeah, they were there. Liam came over
and held me a long time. I sat on his lap as he hugged me up. I laid my
head on his shoulder...a few stray tears fell...I could feel the dampness,
and my blasted nose was running. Nobody was blubbery crying or
anything...but this was a huge moment. Brand was holding my hand and arm,
sitting beside us on the couch, and Jason sat on the other side. Jason was
patting and rubbing my back while Liam held me. Oddly...no-one came over
and interrupted us four boys as we sat there and comforted one another.
The whole house was abuz with activity, and her we were like in an oasis
isolated from everyone...but in plain view. Somehow...somehow they all
knew we needed this...and as if they all got the same memo...we were left
alone.
Brant's Mother, Abelle, came over too us eventually, and whispered
something in Brant's ear. I couldn't hear what she said. Brant turned to
look at me, nodded his head in agreement with her. She leaned in and
kissed him sweetly on the cheek; it was tenderness from her I really hadn't
seen before. Then she quickly moved over a bit and kissed my cheek. She
smelled like a mother. I was blinking back tears, and found it hard to
swallow.
"Boys, I think it is time Lenny goes up to lie down. Won't you all
be sports and help him get upstairs?" She was speaking to all four of us,
but looking directly into Liam's eyes. We all smiled our agreement and
understanding.
Brant got up, and Jason. Then Jason reached out and helped Liam
stand up while he still held me in his arms. I didn't know Liam was this
strong! Cradling his arm under my butt like a I was a little kid, Liam got
lined out and began working his way through the crowd to the stairs.
Without hesitation Liam ambled up the stairs, somehow I had thought he
would put me down then, but he didn't. Brant followed me and Liam, and
Jason was bringing up the rear-guard. The noise of the crowd down stairs
began to be muted by the walls and house...and Liam walked down the hall to
my room. But, instead of entering my room, he turned sideways and let
Brant and Jason pass. I said nothing, but observed everything.
Brant went to the extra un-occupied bedroom and opened the door. A
huge-assed grin spread over his face as he waved his arm like a hotel door
man for us to enter. I wondered what was happening, but remained silent as
Liam followed the silent command to enter the un-occupied spare room.
Only...it wasn't a spare room. Someone had moved in! The walls
had fresh powder-blue paint (you could still smell the fresh paint) and
here was a broad wallpaper border all around the top full of footballs,
baseballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, every kinda ball you could imagine!
Also in the border paper were kid's feet and shoes kicking balls arms
catching balls...it was fantastic. There was a nice full-sized bed made up
with a comforter of similar ball-pattern on he bed, and pillows to match.
A desk with a computer and lamp sat opposite the bed, and a chair with a
reading lamp was over by the window. A dresser with a few odd items astrow
and...
...there in front of the mirror...
A picture of Brant and me holding hands and nearly hugging. We
were laughing and oblivious to the camera. The gleam in our eyes as we
were looking at each other left no doubt that the two boys in the picture
liked one another. The picture was taken at the Liam's party. I never knew
anyone took it!
OMG!
OMG!
OMG!
This was Brant's room! I freaked out! Jumped up stiff as a poker
from Liam's arms and wiggled and wrestled my way out of Liam's embrace.
Brant and I collided together as if drawn by two powerful internal magnets.
Our arms encircled each other and now we could kiss! Trust me...we did!
I pulled away breathless and excited. I couldn't speak! But, I
suppose words were not needed. Brant read my face...He, still holding both
my hands, nodded exaggeratedly up and down with his whole head.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was Brant's room! Brant had moved into MY
HOUSE!!!!!!! OMG!
~~00~~0~~00~~
Okay. Sorry this chapter took a few days longer than I hoped to
get finished. I hope you enjoyed it though. I anxiouisly await your
responses. andyoutwest@live.com or http://weststories.altervista.org
Here is the youtube link to the song by Oasis, "Stop Crying Your Eyes Out,"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNk-RoZhkaI
ANNOUNCEMENT:
New Blog Page: Stand Up!
http://courage-standup.blogspot.com
At the urging of several friends, I have begun a blog. Seems that many of
you are curious about my conservative politics, conservative religious and
social views -- and how I can juxtapose those views and write a story like
this one. Well...the answer is basically simple: I am a conservative
Christian, Republican, and gay man. Though I reject labels...this is who I
am. So, as this story medium is not the appropriate place to engage many
of these viewpoints, I have begun a blog. The purpose is NOT to brow-beat
people into agreeing with my points of view...what I hope to do is give
voice to the millions who like me who are gay, unashamed of our faith, our
politics, and our moral code. Gay young people today need strong
leadership, and need great support in their efforts to become good men,
good citizens. I think some of you can join me in rallying to their side
and support. Please visit my blog...take time to register, and hopefully
you will also contribute to the dialogue. I encourage you to suggest ideas
for discussion points as well.
Blog: Stand Up!
url: http://courage-standup.blogspot.com
I welcome any comments, and ask you to help me give voice to important,
relevant and salient issues of today.